What is Biodynamic Wine?
Updated July 19th 2023
Biodynamic farming is quite different from traditional wine making. In this guide you can find out more about this spiritual philosophy of wine-making, how biodynamic wine differs from organic wine, what is tastes like and where it is produced.
Biodynamic wine is becoming more common, but most people don't really know what it is. Some people call it a "hippie" wine. Others claim it is the purest form of wine which truly expresses the terroir. It is also often confused with organic wine. Here you find the answers to some of the most common questions about biodynamic wine.
What is biodynamic wine?
Biodynamic wine is made with grapes grown in accordance to the principles of biodynamic agriculture. This type of agriculture is a spiritual philosohy of farming that incorporates astrological influences and lunar cycles. It respects the energy of the earth and its flora and fauna. Basically biodynamic farming is a holistic view where everything - the vines, humans, the earth and the moon - is in balance and in harmony with each other. It follows the organic farming methods, which means that chemical fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides are not allowed in the farming.
What does biodynamic wine taste like?
Most biodynamic wine tastes the same or very similar to conventional wines. The biodynamic farming principles do not affect the taste of the wine very much, although there are some people who claim that biodynamic wines are more pure and truly express the terroir. Supporters of this wine claim that biodynamics makes it easier to decide which days are the best for opening the wine.
Where are biodynamic wines produced?
Biodynamic wine producers can be found in almost every country where wine is produced, including France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Australia, the United States and Austria. As the demand for biodynamic wine grows, even some of the larger wine producers have started to dedicate part of their production to biodynamic wines. There are over 700 producers worldwide that make biodynamic wine.
Is biodynamic wine the same as organic wine?
No, biodynamic wine and organic wine are not the same. The production of organic wine doesn't incorporate astrological influences and lunar cycles into its process. There are some similarities though. Both organic and biodynamic do not allow any synthetic chemicals, additives or manipulations during winemaking. Some people say that "Organic is a methodology, and biodynamic is a philosophy."
Is biodynamic wine vegan?
Yes and no. As opposed to conventional wine, biodynamic wine does not contain additives such as egg whites or other animal products. However, in biodynamic farming there are some treatments that sometimes involve parts of animals, such as horns and skulls. These animal parts are coming from animals at the farm where the wine is made. Therefore, there seems to be no consensus whether or not biodynamic wine can be considered vegan.
How do I know if the wine is biodynamic?
Biodynamic wine needs to be certified by the Demeter Association in order to be able to use the official biodynamic logo.
